Jofa Recomended

A scholarly article based on the results of a survey of 380 observant women to determine the relationship between the observance of family purity laws and sexual satisfaction in intimate marital life, taking into consideration religious observance and background, as well as current marital status. The analysis highlights the need to encourage healthy sexual attitudes and communication skills in the observant Jewish community. At the time of the research, it was found that observant Jewish women who have serious religious questions about sexual matters currently do not turn to religious personnel (rabbis or kallah teachers) for advice or counsel. The research concludes that yoatsot halakha, women religious teachers/advisors in taharat haMishpahah could have a positive impact on observant women in the area of marital sexual life.

Channa Henkin presents a discussion of the views of the Talmud, the rishonim (rabbinic authorities prior to the expulsion from Spain), and the aharonim (rabbinic authorities following the expulsion from Spain) regarding women in positions of leadership and halakhic authority. She applies this discussion to the position of yo'atzot and the requirements of such a role for women.

This paper deals with the 3 main issues that were discussed in the OU's paper (addressed orthodox women clergy) which are the meaning of the term Mesorah and its use as an argument tool, the Halachic arguments used as proof that women can not be clergy and the general issue of gender roles.

ADDITIONAL READING

Henkin discusses her work on behalf of taharat hamishpaha (family purity) and in training women to be halakhic consultants (Yo'atzot Halakha), in partnership with rabbis, to offer more sources of advice and expertise on sensitive questions.

In this article, Henkin discusses trends in the emergence of women in Israel's religious national community as halachic experts, the new types of projects these women engage in, and the special niche they fill.

In explaining the value and defending the position of yo'atzot halakha, women's halakhic advisors - as trained in Nishmat in Jerusalem for the purpose of advising women in the laws of niddah, Dr. Wolowelsky discusses the possibility of women functioning as rabbis for a variety of communal services.